Which AMP Downlead Cable is right for you?

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The number one question we get asked when it comes to the Ops-Core AMP Communication Headset is “Which downlead cable do I need to use?” 

In the past, Ops Core utilized their GEN I headset called the RAC (Rail Attached Communication) system. The RAC mounted directly to the back of the helmet on the Accessory Rail Connector (ARC) rail and included a fixed downlead cable which utilized their proprietary Amphenol connection plug. This Amphenol downlead cable was designed for use with the GEN 1 Modular PTT system offered by Ops-Core.  This system also utilized 3D Hearing Technology (3DHT) along with the near field magnetic induction (NFMI) earbud technology we see present in the GEN II systems.  The RAC has since been phased out of service for the more versatile GEN II system.

The new and improved GEN II headset is called the Adaptive Mission Platform (AMP) Communication Headset.  The AMP is more versatile in its ability to be modular and supports several different types of push-to-talk (PTT) downlead cables; additionally, it can be helmet mounted or worn directly on a headband.  For more information on the AMP headset please see our other article HERE that goes into more detail on the AMP headset itself. 

GEN I vs GEN II connectors.

The GEN II comms systems now utilize a U-174 downlead plug which is designed to interface with standard U-94 NATO PTTs.  Ops-Core has also released their own line of U-94 PTTs which are designed with the AMP U-174 downleads in mind.  Many of the U-174 downlead cables have special functions that have been designed and tested specifically to work with Ops-Core U-94 PTTs.  However, the AMP will still work with other brand PTTs if they are a U-94 style PTTs and are configured to operate on an amplified circuit (low impedance).

GEN I and GEN II Cross Compatibility.

Have an older GEN I RAC headset and want to use the newer U94 PTT systems? Not a problem; Ops-Core offers an adapter cable called the Amphenol to U174 Adapter Cable (see image below) which will allow the Amphenol plug on a GEN I headset to be converted to a U-174 Binaural downlead cable that can then be plugged directly into a U-94 PTT system.

Have a new GEN II AMP headset but are still utilizing the older Ops-Core GEN I modular PTT systems?   Ops-Core offers an Amphenol downlead cable that will interface with the Connectorized version of the AMP headset allowing you to plug directly into the older GEN I PTT systems.

Downlead Cables.

BINAURAL - If you are using a single PTT for just single comms, you are always going to want the Binaural cable as it's going to plug into either ear cup, left or right (your choice); whenever you key up your PTT  it is always going to come across in both ear cups. In other words, you are going to hear it in both your left and your right ear at the same time. Again, all the GEN II cables are going to be designed to work with your U94 standard NATO PTT, it doesn't have to be an Ops-Core brand, it can be any of the brands that are out there. However, once you get into the specifics of the monaural cables and the stereophonic cables, they are designed to specifically work with Ops-Core PTTs, which is how they have been tested.

Another thing of note here; the fixed downlead model of the AMP headset will only function as a Binaural headset.

MONAURAL (DUAL COMMS) - Typically, if you are going to run multiple PTTs or multiple radios in different configurations, you would want to split out the communications - having one ear cup hear one communication and the other ear cup hear the other communication. This is going to be done with the Monaural cable which looks just like the binaural cable, but it's actually wired differently on the inside. Whichever ear cup you plug the Monaural cable into, will be the only ear that's going to hear that transmission. You can establish true dual communications; for example, if you are talking talk to air division and ground division, you can have them split up so that air is on the left ear and ground is on the right ear or vice versa.

For split dual comms the other option is to use a cable called a stereophonic cable (below).

STEREOPHINIC (DUAL COMMS) - The stereophonic cable is very similar and again looks just like all the other cables except it's going to allow you to plug one cable into your headset and the other end plugs into a U-94 dual PTT. When you key up the A button on the PTT, you are only going to hear sound on the left ear cup and when you key up the B button you are only going to hear sound on the right ear cup. The Stereophonic cable gives you true split comms capability with one cable and PTT.

AIRFRAME ICS - The ICS cable allows you to plug your AMP headset into an intercom system on a fixed / rotary system by dropping the impedance down to the required 5 ohms necessary for operations.

AMPHENOL - The Amphenol downlead plugs into your headset and is going to allow you to attach to the older Ops-Core GEN I Modular PTT’s. Be aware that this cable functions just like a binaural cable mentioned above.

We hope this helps you understand the Ops-Core GEN I and GEN II communication systems and how the different downlead cables work together. If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to reach out to us for help.